One of the best parts of owning a campervan is how easy it can make it to enjoy your favourite hobbies. Campervanners who are also keen cyclists will be aware of this, with their ‘vans giving the freedom to pitch up at some of the best campsites for indulging in their favourite activity.
In some instances, campervan campsites will allow you to hire bikes out, ideal if you’re feeling like a break from driving and want to take in your beautiful surroundings on two wheels.
Here, we’re sharing five of our favourite campsites for cyclists – and for those who are interested in a different type of touring experience, don’t miss our tips on campervanning off-grid either.
Disserth Caravan & Camping Park
Address: Disserth, Powys LD1 6NL, disserth.biz
Despite the name, there are few peaks in the Cambrian Mountains, but what the area lacks in dramatic summits, it more than makes up for with the understated beauty of its rolling hills, wild moors, wide lakes and rippling valleys. As such, it’s a great place for a cycle ride or three, with routes suitable for all abilities.
Disserth Caravan & Camping Park is ideal for enjoying cycling and everything else the region has to offer. It’s perfect for wildlife lovers, who might spot otters, red kites and buzzards, and simply wonderful for stargazing.
Knight Stainforth Hall
Address: Little Stainforth, Settle, Yorkshire BD24 0DP, knightstainforth.co.uk
Immortalised in James Herriot’s famed All Creatures Great and Small as the quintessential English countryside, complete with drystone walls, green hills and valleys, and bubbling brooks, the Yorkshire Dales are one of the UK’s most recognisable landscapes.
Family-run Knight Stainforth Hall Camping & Caravan Park is two miles north of Settle, and a good base for those wanting a pedal-powered tour.
It has 100 touring pitches, most with hook-up, and there’s a restaurant and bar, perfect after a day spent cycling.
Crowden C&CC Site
Address: Woodhead Road, Glossop SK13 1HZ, campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
A popular long-distance route on the National Cycle Network, the Trans Pennine Trail links the North and the Irish Seas and can be broken up into shorter sections. Start in the Peak District National Park, at Crowden Camping & Caravanning Club Site.
The site is also a fantastic place for walkers to stretch their legs. Hayden and Ladybower Reservoirs are close by, while the famous plague village of Eyam is within easy reach.
Back on site, four types of pitch are available, and dogs are welcome, ideal for those who are touring with pets.
New Forest CAMC Centenary Site
Address: Forest Road, Bransgore, Hampshire BH23 8EB, caravanclub.co.uk
The lovely New Forest is packed full of family-friendly cycle routes, such as Burley Hill Fort Loop, a 9.3-mile circuit taking in woodlands, hills and an old railway. Stay at nearby New Forest Caravan and Motorhome Club Centenary Site for easy access to this and many other cycling trails.
This large site is split into different sections, with names such as Spitfire, Mosquito and Mustang – very apt, as it lies in a former WWII airfield. You can also hire bikes here.
Delamont Country Park Camping & Caravanning Club Site
Address: Downpatrick Road, Co Down, Northern Ireland BT30 9TZ, campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
A great way to explore Co Down, Northern Ireland, is the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail. You can tackle the 82-mile route all at once, or in shorter stretches.
Stay at Delamont Country Park Camping & Caravanning Club Site for handy access to the route.
The site, bordered by trees and fields, has a modern washblock, with a parent and baby room and accessible facilities. From the small shop, you can pick up basic groceries. The park next door has an adventure playground.
For those of you who love waking up to a breathtaking vista, don’t miss our guide to the best campervan sites for views either.
After some more inspiration for where to go for a longer campervan getaway? Then head to our Go Campervanning: Longer Getaways section for more great ideas!
Lead image: Daniel Gould
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